Single Copies Free
Friday, May 1, 2015
gcsunade.com
The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College
Prayers illuminate the night Family, friends, GC community gathers in rememberance of Lauren Gainey Andrew Podo @gcsunAde Over one hundred people gathered around the steps of Parks Hall on Tuesday evening to honor Lauren Gainey. The Chemistry Club and the university worked to organize a candlelight vigil, giving students, faculty, family and friends the opportunity to mourn and remember Gainey’s life. Bruce Harshbarger, the Vice President of Student affairs, explained that the memorial was held in front of the Parks Hall rocking chairs. Which was one of Gainey’s favorite places on campus. He added that she would often sit on the porch, doing homework, enjoying the weather or conversing with friends. Gainey’s family attended the memorial. Her father, Jeffrey Gainey, spoke to the crowd of students and faculty members, expressing his gratitude for the support he received from the university and the community. “During times like these we need family and friends,” he said. “And I was so impressed with the support from the school and how much everybody cared.” Harshbarger then introduced Gainey’s fellow chemistry students, Demetrius Denize and Ashlyn Burch, who played a moving and emotional rendition of Horatio Spafford’s hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul.” Dr. Ken McGill, one of Gainey’s chemistry professors, gave a brief memorial speech
JOHN DILLON / SENOIR PHOTOGRAPHER Family, friends and the GC community attend a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Georgia College student Lauren Gainey.
and invited members of the crowd to speak and honor Gainey. Students that knew Lauren from classes or student organizations read the somber, sweet poems “To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me” by an unknown author and “My Memory Library” by Sarah Blackstone to recognize the love, passion and joy that
Gainey exemplified. After the poetry reading, representatives from each of Gainey’s student organizations, clubs and local organizations that she belonged to released balloons, one-by-one, into the air as Harshbarger recognized Gainey’s service to the Milledgeville community. The memorial service closed with the lighting of candles and a
moment of silence. Even though it began to rain, students and faculty stayed to offer support to the Gainey family and place their favorite memories of Lauren into a memory jar while the Women’s Ensemble sang “There Will Be Rest.” Harshbarger, remembering Gainey’s smile and passion for the community, offered a quote to remind students that
the Gainey’s legacy would be missed, but not forgotten. “Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening,” he said. “But no matter how hard death tries it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories either. In the end, love is stronger than death.”
Bobcats fall short in final round of PBC stePhen BolAnd @gcsunAde
NICOLE KRINSKY / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER GC students work on reviving the mural covering the side of the Milledgeville Habitat for Humanity center.
Habitat mural revived nicole KrinsKy @gcsunAde
Located about three blocks north from campus on North Wayne Street, it is hard to miss the vibrant mural that covers the side of the Milledgeville Habitat for Humanity center. Today from 5 to 7 p.m., the Mural Art and Communities class at Georgia College will unveil their mural restoration project for Habitat for Humanity Milledgeville to the community. Taught by Professor Valerie Aranda, the purpose of the class is to teach community-based projects and collaborations through the creation of murals as a specific medium of art that involves community engagement. T h e s e m e s t e r- l o n g beautification project involved restoring a mural originally painted by Aranda’s class of 2004 as a part of a collaborative
News Remembering Mark Vail
effort with Martin Moreno, a visiting artist from Phoenix, Arizona. Approximately 20 feet tall, the mural depicts a diverse range of images that symbolize everything from community members participating in the building process of a home, to handing over the keys to the new homeowners. The borders of the mural are lined with images of different tools used for building, but everything is centered upon a fiery sun. “With the sun, we had talked about representing the four cardinal directions,” Aranda said. “It could also reflect different races of people regionally like a compass.” Because the mural is outdoors, the class suffered several setbacks throughout the semester, specifically due to the constant rain. However, that did not deter senior studio art major
Opinion Mainor Out
Brooke Adams from taking advantage of the opportunity to paint large-scale. “I always do really little, tedious work so I think that’s why I wanted to go so big,” Adams said . “I got to explore what my stroke is on such a large scale because I don’t usually have those opportunities.” Adams also said that one of the biggest challenges was matching the strokes of the people who originally painted the mural back in 2004. She explained that every artist has their own stroke-style when painting, and it is important to match one’s individual style to the person who painted before them in order to keep the cohesion of the mural in tact.
Mural page 8
The Georgia College Bobcats finished runners-up this past weekend at the Peach Belt Conference Tournament. The Bobcats hosted the tournament, and the home field advantage tipped the odds in their favor in their first game as they beat Francis Marion University 9-5 in the quarterfinals. Sophomore infielder Faith Flanders led the way for the Bobcats in the opening game, going 2-for-4 at the plate with 5 RBIs and a two-run home run. “I finally relaxed at the plate, and I looked for a strike and just hit it,” Flanders said. The Bobcats continued their winning ways in the semifinals by beating Armstrong State 5-3 in a come-frombehind-win. Going into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Bobcats were trailing, but had the bases loaded when Freshman leftfielder Holland Coursey came to the plate. With one swing of the bat, Coursey gave the Bobcats the lead with a welltimed single. The Bobcats had only four hits in the first five innings before the team caught fire in the sixth. Unfortunately for the
Bobcats, their hot streak ended in the PBC Championship game with a 2-0 loss to the University of North Georgia. North Georgia’s pitcher Courtney Poole allowed only two hits and had five strikeouts over seven innings against the Bobcats. The Bobcats made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh inning, putting runners on first and second base, but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. “We get to the big [games], but we just got to close them out,” Flanders said. The Bobcats will now try to look past the loss, and put their eyes on the NCAA Division II tournament. The Bobcats are making history by hosting their very first regional tournament. “To have the regional on your home soil is great. You get to sleep in your own bed, and you get to go through your same routine,” said Assistant Coach Kayla Lucas. The Bobcats will look to capitalize on their home field advantage with regional tournament games starting May 8. “I think our only weakness is adjusting to the pitching we are facing, but I think if we can work on that at practice, we’ll be able to win at regionals,” sophomore outfielder Danielle Bernstein said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GC ATHLETICS GC’s softball celebrates during PBC tournament this past weekend.
Sports
Entertainment Entertainment
Frisbee
Spring Dance Concert Preview
Feature
Feature Saying Goodbye
gcsunade.com
May 1, 2015 Nick Landon, Editor
Mark Vail continues to inspire community “It was because of him that I decided to make rhetoric my major, after spending just an hour with him in our first meeting,” Billy Vaught said, recent rhetoric graduate and former student and advisee of Dr. Mark Vail. Vail, a beloved rhetoric professor at Georgia College, died recently after fighting a long battle with leukemia. He will continue to be celebrated as an influential mentor and trusted friend on the Georgia College campus and beyond. Former students of his wished to extend their thoughts and memories. “It’s very hard to put into words how much Dr. Vail means to me,” Catherine Ziemann, a senior English major and rhetoric minor said, “If you knew him, – or if you knew anyone who knew him, – you can understand what he means to so many of us.” The influence Dr. Vail had upon his students far extends the borders of this campus. “Dr. Vail had a passion, and it wasn’t just rhetoric. Sure, he loved Gorgias and other classical rhetors, but he loved seeing his students think,” Jt Hoover, another recent graduate of the rhetoric program said, “I teach some high school and middle school kids now, and you can see it in their faces. You can see when they’re engaged and when they’re getting it. He loved to see knowledge passed along.” “Dr. Vail’s presence in the classroom, his encouragement, his mastery, and his love for those around him will not be forgotten,” Ziemann said, “His legacy will not end. I am a better person because of him and I hope that one day I will be to my students what Dr. Vail is to me.”
“ “ “
“ “ “
MARY HENDERSON @MAREHENDERSON
SPECIAL TO THE COLONNADE
Speaker at annual Lavender Graduation reads excerpt from a Dr. Seuss book.
LGBT students honored at Lavender Graduation KARLEY SPEER @GCSUNADE Friday April 24 marked the fourth annual Lavender graduation at Georgia College. The ceremony featured a slideshow of photos of graduating students and a few of their many successes. Students, professors, family and friends attended the event. In addition, a guest speaker read an altered version of Dr. Seuss’s “All the places you’ll go”. The ceremony’s sole purpose is to congratulate and recognize the young men and women who are a part of the LGBT’ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) and Ally graduates. Graduate Ashley Miller, a senior mass communication major, said, “I think it’s really a capstone on my experience being a lesbian and kind of working my way through things and becoming the person I want to be.” Something unique about this graduation is that each graduate is welcomed to participate by giving a
speech, writing a song, reading poetry or any other creative media. “I think the part of it that made it so exciting is that it’s specifically for LGBT students, and also just getting up there to read my poem and personally thank all the people who helped me was really, really great,” graduate Melissa Cobb said. The Lavender graduation was also a commemoration of a strong advocate for LGBT students, Mary Jane Phillips, who passed away a couple of weeks prior. Grace Nichols, LGBT Program Coordinator said, “I imagine she would be [happy]. She worked so hard, she was such a strong ally and advocate. She paved the way for a lot of this stuff to happen.” S ome in attendance w ere emotionally moved by the ceremony and what it represented. In the future those involved with LGBT and Ally are hoping that more individuals are more accepting of people who are different.
TH E . S H O R T . L I S T The top new stories from all over the world as collected, curated and composed by Andrew Podo
1
Nepal Earthquake devastates nation The death toll has climbed to nearly 5,000 people after a historic earthquake struck nepal on Tuesday. Thousands more were injured in the 7.8 richter earthquake, including climbers trapped in avalanches on Mt. Everest. (CNN.com)
2
Rioter’s Mom opens can of whoopass Toya Graham took the national spotlight after CNN cameras recorded her yanking her ski-mask clad son away from a crowd of rioters in Baltimore. Some protests over the death of Freddie Gray, devolving into looting and vandalism. (USA today)
3
Supreme Court hears arguments about gay marriage In what promises to be a landmark decision, the Supreme Court started hearing arguments about the legality of Gay Marriage. While the court remains deeply divided on the issue, pivotal Justice Anthony Kennedy appears to be leaning towards legalizing Gay Marriage nationwide. (New York Times)
4
Apparently Pacquiao and Mayweather aren’t retired Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are set to square off on May 2, and the fight looks poised to shatter records. Speculations suggest that the much-anticipated match could pull in almost $300 million in pay-per-view revenue, more than double the current record. (SB Nation)
5
McDonald’s falls to Chipotle, Chick-fil-a McDonald’s reported a 2.3 percent drop in sales this quarter, with revenue down by 11 percent. The company seems to be fighting a losing battle against smaller competitors like Chick-fil-a, Wendy’s and Chipotle, but recently announced a new plan to try to make themselves relevant again. (Reuters)
gcsunade.com
May 1, 2015
THE COLONNADE
3
Capital controversy continues SAM JONES @JOSEPH_SAMUEL_J After Destiny Parker ’s facebook post recounting a story of racial discrimination by nightclub Capital City sparked discussion across campus about the racial state of the Milledgeville community, students and faculty continue to speak out on the issue. The Colonnade made several attempts to contact employees of Chops and Capital for comments - only two responded. One declined to comment and the other simply wanted to inform the Colonnade that they really liked Hibachi Express. Students and faculty who have seen or heard about the discriminatory actions have become extremely vocal compared to Capital and Chops employees. “Case of the matter is that these things have been taking place for years,” SGA President Juawn Jackson said. “This isn’t something that just happened last week. This is something that has been taking place for years. Finally students have gotten fed up, faculty have gotten fed up, staff have gotten fed up and are deciding to voice their concerns, to organize and to bring about what they believe should happen in order to bring about the change we need downtown.” A few fed up students organized protests against the establishments, but some believe that the protesters are just there to spoil the fun. “When I go out, I want to have fun, I want to enjoy myself and not get hit with the worries of other stuff,” said Cord Sloane, senior criminal justice major. “Well, they’re going to go out in front of Capital and ruin other people’s nights.” Others would argue that their nights downtown have been ruined by a lot worse than people simply standing and holding signs. “It really hurt my feelings,” said Deaje Taylor, senior psychology major. Taylor was denied entry into Capital on her birthday two years ago for what the bouncer claimed were dress code reasons. She watched two white girls who she said were more sparsely dressed than she allowed entry while she talked with the bouncer. “When you blatantly know you’re being discriminated against but you can’t call them on it because it’s not outwardly being said, you might as well just dust out the ‘Whites Only’ sign because that’s kind of how it feels.” Taylor said. Students and faculty are angry about these stories, and many believe that the best way to force the bars to change is to just stop going. Dr. Stephanie McClure agrees. “That’s what I tell my students,” McClure said. “Stop going there. Stop giving them your dollars. After years of collecting stories I’m like
JOHN DILLON / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Capital and Chops remain at the center of concerns about racial discrimination for Georgia College faculty and students.
honestly, I already know what you’re going to say. Stop having stories.” The money students are giving to Capital and Chops goes beyond giving money to a business accused of racial discrimination. The people behind the businesses have a history of more than just discrimination. According to the Union Recorder, Will and Trey Britt, two brothers from Statesboro, are heavily affiliated with both Capital and Chops. As late as 2009, Trey was cited as property owner of 119 South Wayne Street. The Britt brothers were the owners of two bars in Statesboro. One was Legends; the other was The Woodin Nikel. According an article published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Legends, along with another bar, was bought by Georgia Southern in 2008 after the university recognized a need for office space and, more importantly, a need for safety for their students. The university’s police chief said of the acquisition, “From a public safety standpoint, we are very pleased that the University purchased these two properties.” The reputation for Legends grew to a breaking point in Statesboro but still may have been overshadowed by the other Britt owned bar, The Woodin Nikel. The Woodin Nikel’s practices caught up with the Britts in 2005 when a distraught Georgia Southern freshman went to professor Laura Milner, and told Milner of her experiences with the bar’s Ladies Lock-In nights. Only women were allowed into the bar from 9-11 p.m., and
they could drink for free. Men were allowed in after 11 p.m. The aforementioned article from the Atlanta JournalConstitution reported that Milner was shocked by the stories she heard from students who referred to the Ladies Nights as “Date-Rape Nights”. She took the stories and her findings to city council who then revoked the alcohol license for both Woodin Nikel and Legends. If the Ladies Nights sound familiar to Georgia College students, it’s because 10 years after the issues at The Woodin Nikel, the Britt-affiliated Chops was still conducting Ladies Lock-In nights. Advertisements on the Chops’ Facebook page from as recently as October inform of Ladies Lock-In nights that are carbon copies of The Woodin Nikel’s. The bar appears to have stopped holding these nights in January. Another bar associated with Will Britt in Statesboro has been subjected to scrutiny from college students, for similar reasons to those of Capital and Chops. Rumrunners Plantation Room (formerly Rumrunners) made the decision to change their name and logo in 2014 to evoke imagery of the old south by adding on Plantation to the name and adding dueling swords adorned with the last incarnation of the Georgia state flag to their logo. The logo, very similar to the current logo used by Capital that also uses the former version of the Georgia state flag, were met with hostility by members of the Statesboro community. A petition started by Georgia Southern student Jordin Hall to
Full Hook Up Large Sites
have the name of the business changed has received over 2,000 signatures since 2014. Rumrunners operates under Chrysha Inc. The bar is located in Statesboro but Chrysha Inc. is listed at 119 S. Wayne Street in Milledgeville. The location, next to Capital and Chops, has multiple businesses attributed to it. At least four of those are owned by Eugene Britt III, including Conn/Wood III formerly owned by Will Britt. Will Britt is also listed as owning property with Rumrunners owner James B. Stafford. Though controversy appears to follow them, the Britt’s continue to thrive. Will is now the Mayor Pro Tempore of Statesboro and Trey, even after being banished by the courts of Bulloch County from the entire county for undisclosed crimes, owns multiple properties throughout Milledgeville. The Britts are yet again in the middle of controversy involving their bars, but this time , instead of underage drinking or NFL quarterbacks, the stories are centered around racial discrimination. Most believe the stories will continue. Capital is the only nightclub in Milledgeville, and as long as they have what freshman Sam Bechtel calls a “monopoly on the fun,” people will continue to go. Even as awareness of the discriminatory practices rises and some choose not go, Capital and Chops have a never-ending stock of new students coming in each year. “It’s just a new crop of students, and every 3-4 years they start to rotate people,”
CGIF: KELSEY RICHARDSON @gcsunAde
4 Miles from Campus Free Internet and Cable Pet Friendly with Pet Yard
Present this ad to receive 15% discount on your stay Not valid with any other offer Expires 9/30/15
Best-selling author and lecturer, Gary Ferguson takes GC on a ride through the rich history of conservation in America in honor of Earth Week. The Campus Green Initiative Fund Committee invited students and faculty to attend the CGIFC Symposium from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 23 in A&S Auditorium. Ferguson enlightened guests with his talk, “Earth Time: Conservation from the Radical Center.” Directly following the lecture, a panel of five esteemed guests accompanied Ferguson to answer people’s questions and to discuss conservation in today’s society. Gary Ferguson has published numerous articles in popular magazines and newspapers such as Vanity Fair and The Los Angeles Times. He has written 22 books on science and nature, and travels around the country giving stimulating keynote presentations tailored to each of his specific audiences.
GC alumnus Kevin Hall stated. “Then you just have a new group of students who may have heard about these things but they never seen it before. It [the discrimination] doesn’t mean anything to them.” “Students are a transient population,”said McClure. “The whole point is for you to come and go away. We consider that a success. Then a new group comes in and they don’t know [about the discrimination].” Many believe that the spotlight will only stay on Capital for a short time before they revert back to their “normal” business practices. “Here’s what I know is going to happen,” said graduate student and English 1101 teacher Monica Prince. “They’re going to start admitting people of color and say that they’re an equal employment establishment and they’re going to do that for a couple of months. Then they’re going to stop doing it once school is out.” Prince however, holds out hope that current students and new students can apply enough pressure on the bars to make a change. “I tell my students that, you, as college freshman who drink underage, you, who buy drinks at these bars, if you as a freshman class decided you weren’t going to matriculate at bars that discriminate against your friends, then those bars go under automatically,” Prince said. “If you’re not going to do it for yourself, do it for your black friends, do it for me, as your teacher that loves you.” Last Saturday night, no dress code was available at Capital or Chops. The lines to get in were very long.
promoting a better lifestyle Ferguson fearlessly opened up his lecture through acknowledging how people are currently destroying themselves and the planet. Through his own research he generated the theory that every 40 to 50 years people become more self-aware of the damage inflicted on the environment and have a need to reconnect with nature. He traced the movement back a few hundred years and made these connections for his theory; he concluded that the most recent environmental movement occurred during the 60’s and 70’s. These two decades were during the post-WWII turmoil of air pollution, which birthed environmental organizations and groups like the Environmental Protection Agency. If his theory proves to be correct, then the next cycle is now. Ferguson believes that if we took on the ancient definition of beauty and brought it into
CGIF page 4
gcsunade.com
May 1, 2015
THE COLONNADE
4
Environmental Science Club celebrates Earth KELSEY RICHARDSON @GCSUNADE Fluffy clouds, bright blue skies and lush greenery embellished front campus giving bobcats even more of a reason to celebrate EarthFest. GC’s Environmental Science Club hosted the festival with the goal of spreading the core values of sustainability throughout campus and the Milledgeville community. The event took place on April 22, Earth Day, and lasted throughout the entire day. This year’s EarthFest was dedicated to former bobcat Collin Maldonado. Maldonado died a year ago after serving as the Environmental Science Club President. Because of the lasting impact he had on the environment and his peers, the club wanted to celebrate the earth - a treasure he held in high regard. N u m e r o u s organizations promoted
their green ideals by tabling and providing fun activities to support sustainability. People engaged in tye-dying, yoga, a drum circle, cornhole, terrarium making, disc golf and many other green ventures. “A lot of majors will have their own specific clubs, and this is the one that really speaks to people who just care about the environment—I think that’s why it’s growing so much,” said senior marketing major, Sean Grimes. “We’re giving ourselves a platform to spread the things that we really think are important.” Around 5 p.m., EarthFest turned it up a notch with live music from “Julie and Dusty,” “Jake Oakley & Charlie Brady” and “Rapanui.” Students and faculty lounged around the stage enjoying the easy-going atmosphere as the day died down. EarthFest didn’t just end on a good note. It imparted a lasting,
CGIF
Continued from page 3 our lives, then we’d live better and the environment would become better. The true definition of beauty to Ferguson is “being of one’s hour.” Living in the moment, being happy, and doing what is right embodies true beauty. “ F e rg u s o n o ff e r e d a n enlightening perspective on how we should interact with the environment,” said senior mass communication major Andrew Podo. “We all need to get our heads out of the clouds and give ourselves what we need—a healthy, thriving planet.”
sustainable cause through collecting signatures to bring renewable energy on campus. The goal was to collect 1,000 signatures to display students’ pressing need for solar panels. With the help of the Campus Green Initiative Fund, which was deeply involved in EarthFest, students can relay their own eco-friendly ideas. Students of every major who have a passion for helping the environment, or even those just interested in the idea, are welcome to join any of the green clubs on campus. “The environmental science club is a good way to be involved with sustainability because you’re typically going to be surrounded by likeminded people,” said senior community health major, Claire Turner. “There are so many resources set aside for students to submit cool ideas to get those green ideas implemented on campus.”
ALEXIS HAGGERTY / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Students join in a relaxing yoga class on Front Campus during EarthFest’s activities.
GC students sell, swap and buy ANDREW PODO @PODOSTICK Students gathered on the front porch of Atkinson Hall on April 23 for the Bobcat Flea Market to sell trinkets, appliances and old clothes that spent the semester gathering dust. The Bobcat Flea Market, hosted by the Campus Activities Board EMMA NORTJE / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER and WGUR, was inspired Shoemaker and Crane make a deal at flea market. by Bobcat Exchange. “At first the idea was
like an auction,” junior mass communication major and event organizer Brittany Wilson said. “But I figured it would be more beneficial for buyers and sellers if it was like a flea market.” Victoria Shoemaker, a freshman management major, stood in front of the Alpha Omicron Pi table. The table was piled high with old clothes, appliances and an old coffee maker. Shoemaker claimed that the flea market was a good opportunity for her to showcase old clothes that she would otherwise sell or donate.
“I have a rule that if I don’t wear it once a quarter I donate it,” Shoemaker said. Sarah Ehrhart, freshman music therapy major, was one of the individual students trying to raise money at the flea market. She noted that while she had only raised a few dollars, she wanted the money to go to a good cause. “I’m going to donate the money I’ve raised, but I don’t know where yet, maybe the music program,” Ehrhart said. “A college music program always needs more funds.”
gcsunade.com
May 1, 2015 Taylor Hembree, Editor-in-chief
Take a walk... tAylor hemBree
@tAyBAyyyyyyyyyy Recently I had to do a project photo class. I really believe in the power of art changing the world, or even just sparking an interest or conversation in people’s lives. I chose to make a social ‘ad’ about sparking students’ minds about treatment of the homeless in their community. In order to protect the image of the homeless people
that I’ve come across, I decided that I would depict a homeless person…so I put on a raggedy outfit, made myself look dirty and made a sign to go out just to take some pictures. I didn’t realize that I would actually run into people on the streets that would interact with me….or not interact with me. As I posed on the side of the street with my sign, a family passed me. About 30 yards away from me, I could hear them laughing, talking and they even
An immersion into someone else’s shoes
would say hey or wave to people that passed them. As soon as they got within two feet of me, they put their heads down and did not speak. Their son, probably five years old, stared at me. I felt so uncomfortable. I was deeply hurt that the family wouldn’t even smile at me. Imagine how the homeless people that we pass on a daily basis must feel when we don’t even make eye contact with them, let alone smile or acknowledge them. I began to feel my feet
getting cold and sore. Imagine how the people we see pacing the streets with worn out shoes on, or even worse, with no shoes on…imagine how they feel, every day. I was scared. In a place where I normally wouldn’t be afraid. I can’t even imagine the fear of sleeping on the streets. I get exhausted after staying up all night doing homework, imagine having to stay up all night for fear of getting killed, mugged, harassed or hurt because you’re
sleeping under an awning. I cannot imagine living such a misunderstood life. A life that more often than not, took a turn for the worse after a poor decision, a bad circumstance or horrible luck. People all over should experience love and joy, and the human race has the right to be that love from other people. So why is it that often we forget that the homeless population is a person just like your boyfriend? Just like your sister? Just like your
professor? What would YOU do if your boyfriend was homeless? Your sister? Your friend? Your professor? I know that I would treat them like a human, love them and help them. So next time you see a homeless man or woman, say hey, give a smile and talk to them. Often times that sheer act of kindness can go a long way. Just remember, this could be you.
Letter to the editor: A response to the consolidation op-ed
Kelly mAinor @gcsunAde
This time last year I was crying because I found out I was privileged to be the editor of this paper. But there are many things people didn’t know. They were not tears of joy. I was overwhelmed by the stress of having to reconstruct a news organization from the ground up. But guess what? We did it. That’s right. But I can’t take all of the credit. Through the past year, I have developed a love-hate relationship with the friends-turned-family that I have spent exhausting nights with to do the thing I love most - being creative. Now, looking back, I am crying tears of joy. When reminiscing on my glory college days, I won’t think about all the parties I hit up or all of the cute boys that bought me drinks in a bar downtown. I will think about the people who challenged me on a daily basis to be a better leader, motivator and overall person. I will think about the heart-to-hearts I had with my best girlfriends who stayed up with me until 4 a.m. to finish our work on the newspaper. tAylor hemBree @gcsunAde
Sitting in Chappell Hall my sophomore year, I NEVER thought I would be here today, writing for the paper and spending every single Wednesday night crammed in a small office without windows. 10 people who I otherwise wouldn’t have met if not for the Colonnade, have become a family — a home away from home. A good-looking sports desk, a superrad entertainment desk, a funny-as-hell news desk and a fun-loving EIC, all
The last four years at GC have definitely been a roller coaster. I have learned a lot of life lessons the hard way — mostly because of my stubborn personality. If there are words of wisdom I can leave behind to other students it would be this: -People don’t grow out of being mean and immature. It’s not just a high school phase. -Call your mother more. She actually misses you, even though y’all may fight. -Learn to budget early on. It will save your butt in the long run. -Say thank you more, and make sure your friends know they are appreciated. -Professors don’t bite. Get to know them. -Sleep deprivation is a real thing. -Learn life balances between work, school and leisure time. -Everyone suffers from procrastination. Learning how to manage a routine just takes practice. -Breathe. -You are capable, and you are meant to be here for a reason. It’s been real GC. Mainor out. Peace. KM
have made this year both great and stressful. Without all of the editors, my life would not be the same, and saying this is such an understatement. I have met bridesmaids, big brothers and best friends and I wouldn’t change a single all-nighter if that meant I had to give up this experience. As the Colonnade’s editor and biggest supporter, I promise to go to battle for the editors, publish articles seeping with journalistic integrity, uphold traditions of respect, ruffle some feathers and present the paper to outsiders to the best of my ability.
THE COLONNADE Volume 92, No. 1
CBX 2553 Milledgeville, GA 31061 MSU 128, office hours posted Newsroom:478-445-4511 ColonnadeLetters@gcsu.edu ColonnadeNews@gcsu.edu
E D I TOR I AL editor-in-chief Taylor Hembree news editor Nick Landon asst. news editor Andrew Podo
Follow us
public safety editor Andrew Podo entertainment editor Angela Moryan asst. entertainment Kelsey Richardson
TheColonnade
feature editor Katie Skogen sports editor Derek Roberts asst. sports editor Sam Jones
TheColonnade
Colonnade Editor, I read the recently published opinion regarding MilledgevilleBaldwin County Unification and I have several thoughts I would like to share regarding the statements made by the writer. I will quote the each statement and respond accordingly. “Consolidation is a lengthy process and may take years to implement. Along with time, money must be spent in order to merge city and county services, such as creating a new police department.” -Yes, Consolidation will take time. In order to keep transition costs low, it is best to implement in phases rather than all at once. There is no need to create a new police force as the charter places all law enforcement powers in the Sheriff’s hands. The Sheriff is mandated by the Georgia Constitution and the highest law enforcement authority in the county. “While the charter states that there will be no job losses, MaconBibb County serves as a prime example in which consolidation proved to be more expensive than originally thought. Macon-Bibb County had to cut the budget every year since implementation, resulting in numerous lost jobs.” -Macon-Bibb made the mistake of requiring a 20 percent budget reduction as part of their charter. If you cut one-fifth of your budget, you have little choice but to eliminate jobs and services. This is NOT the case with MBC Unification. The Charter for Milledgeville-Baldwin County specifies that no full-time employee will lose their job as a result of Unification. Their salaries, benefits and pensions are all protected. “Milledgeville currently has 12 elected officials, including the Mayor, city manager,
photo editor designer advertising manager asst. advertising manager distribution manager web master faculty adviser
The Colonnade is the official student newspaper of Georgia College. The Colonnade is an editionally free newspaper produced by students. Georgia College cannot influence editorial decisions of The Colonnade and editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the official opinions of the university. The Colonnade is not responsible for any false advertising. We are not liable for any error in advertising to a greater
@GCSUnade
John Dillon Caleb Shorthouse Ashley Ferrall Brittany Albrycht Jeff Dice Chris Gage Kaylene Armstrong
extent than the cost of the space in which the item occurs. The Colonnade reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy submitted for publication. There is no guaranteed placement of ads. The Colonnade does not accept advertising concerning firearms nor guarantee ads concerning alcoholic beverages. All stories and photographs appearing in this issue and previous issues, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted by The Colonnade.
WRITER OF THE WEEK: SAM JONES CAPITAL OFFENSE
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK: ELLIE SMITH
STAFF PHOTOSHOOT
government will be responsible to make sure the business of the people is handled, if they fail, then we know who is responsible. “The Unification Charter not only threatens to discredit the hard work of former B o b c at s , b u t al s o hinders future student involvement with the local community.” -Any ordinance that was previously in place will continue to be in place under the new charter. The new government isn’t going to wipe out all of the previous agreements made to create the college friendly, downtown environment that we have. “Because of the initial expenses of consolidation, college students would bear the brunt of the transition, resulting in higher prices for housing, food and entertainment.” -This is just an outright fallacy. Please explain your logical progression to this end. Unification will not cause housing, food or entertainment costs to go up for students or anyone else. “The Charter will encompass all residents of Baldwin County, which diminishes the student’s voting impact.” -There are almost 6,000 students here. No matter where they vote they could change the outcome of an election. Less than 2,000 people voted in the last city council election. Students live all over the community and, if they organized and ran candidates or helped support good candidates, they could most certainly make an INCREDIBLE impact. Nothing could diminish the influence of such a large group IF they are organized. If anyone is interested to know the truth about Unification, I’m happy to sit down and talk. I’ll go through the document with you and answer any questions you have.
Colonnade Classifieds
copy editor Derek Roberts
S TAF F
five city council members and five county commissioners.The proposed Unification Charter calls for only seven elected officials, making it more difficult to represent the views and voices of the residents of Baldwin C o u n t y, i n c l u d i n g Milledgeville.” -The city manager is not an elected position. -Unification actually means greater representation for more than half of the population of Baldwin County. At this time, county residents only get one vote - their County Commissioner. City residents have three elected officials to vote for: Commissioner, Councilmember, and the Mayor. After Unification, every citizen of the Baldwin County will be able to choose a Representative, a Vice Mayor, and the Mayor of our community. I spoke to a woman last week who has lived here for over 50 years and never once been able to have an elected voice in Milledgeville. Bringing more of the community into the process is a benefit. “This also removes the “watchdog” mentality that the city and county use in order to practice the checks and balances system, which could lead to even further corruption within the government.” -The people are to be the watchdogs of democracy. There is not a system of checks and balances, just two political bodies fighting for the same limited resources - your tax dollars. Having two governments means having someone else to blame. Some say “this is a city issue,” or “no, it’s a county issue.” There’s no such thing. Every issue in Milledgeville and Baldwin County is a COMMUNITY issue. If you put everyone on the same team, you can eliminate the finger pointing and passing the buck. One unified
RUN YOURS
HERE
Have an apartment for rent? Want to sublease? Want to make some cash on that old laptop? Selling your bicycle? Have a litter of kittens that need homes? Want to pass on your textbooks to someone who needs them? The Colonnade advertising staff is here for you! Contact our ad manager at KRobertsAdvertising@gmail.com for more information
Positions available immediately for Food Preparation and New Restaurant staff in Gray. Apply at www.BestinGray.com
gcsunade.com
May 1, 2015 Katie Skogen, Editor
The awesome thing about the Colonnade staff is that we all come from different places and different walks in life, yet we have come together to create a news outlet for the students of Georgia College. As the school year draws to an end, we have collaborated to give our personal advice to the students of GC. do what you feel in your heart to be rightyou’ll be criticized anyway. you’re damned if you do and damned if you
do small things with great love.
do what you love and see the world.
life isn’t a color by numbers, it’s a blank canvas, so make it beautiful.
get tattoos, wear whatever you want and do what it takes to make your life something you love.
be unapologetically you.
don’t.
never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever live your life for anyone who isn’t you.
within reason, do what makes you happy. surround yourself with people who support you and accept you.
if you sprinkle while you tinkle, be a sweetie and wipe the seatie. that’s all I’m saying.
No matter what you’re celebrating, always have a designated driver 93% of GC students used a designated driver mostly or always when they partied in the last 12 months Source: NCHA 2015
gcsunade.com
May 1, 2015 Angela Moryan, Editor
Early look at spring semester’s last dance KELSEY RICHARDSON @GCSUNADE This weekend, 50 Georgia College students prepare to captivate audience members with a variety of dance styles in the annual GC Spring Dance Concert. The concert will give viewers a little taste of everything with a collection of pointe, modern, contemporary, jazz and musical theatre. The event takes place at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 3.
“I’ve discovered a lot about myself and other dancers through this process,” said dance minor, Mary-Evelyn Hunt. “It’s amazing to see how different everyone’s choreography can be. There’s constantly new and exciting ideas being thrown around.” Auditions took place last fall, inviting the entire Georgia College community to test their dancing talents, even though most performers are dance minors. The dancers have been rigorously
practicing since January, and a couple of the pieces were being worked on as early as September. The concert is composed of two faculty pieces, two guest choreographed pieces and
several student pieces. The two guest choreographers are from the Joffrey School. Chris Coates and Trey Mitchell, traveled from New York to display their original works through GC dancers. Each piece performed provides a different message and theme for audience members; however, the concert aims to inspire and give its viewers a new outlook and appreciation for dance. The show’s success relies on the full collaboration of all the
dance minors and their directors. Besides everyone’s involvement with the choreography, each person involved also contributes to the music used and even the costume design. “Personally, costuming is always difficult for me to envision,” said senior dance minor, Olivia Meeks. “I have to constantly tell myself to see more possibilities. Other than that, things have been progressing very well and there will be a beautiful show this weekend.”
EMMA NORTJE / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Erica Beale dances in a circle of her fellow dance minors during a rehearsal. The dancers perform Saturday, May 2 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. in Russell Auditorium.
Former entertainment editor breaks down Georgia’s music scene for the summer. SAM BLANKENSHIP @SAMANTHABLANK22
Shaky Knees
When: May 8-9 Where: Central Park, Atlanta Tickets: Three-day pass- $215, single-day pass- $99 For those of you not graduating on May 9 (hahaha suckaaaas), shake off those finals blues at Shaky Knees in Atlanta May 8 through 10. This is the third annual installment of this alt-folk festival. Headliners this year include: The Stokes, The Avett Brothers and Wilco. Flogging Molly, Pixies, Social Distortion, Brian Adams, Devil Makes Three and Best Coast. The festival will be held in Central Park, as opposed to the concrete wasteland that is Atlantic Station where it happened last year--not ideal for the flower children--but it was nice to not have to replace mud-crusted shoes after a day
of raining. Considering the especially-rainy spring we’ve been having, I’d plan for Chacos over Converse.
Paisley and Rascal Flatts. Old Crow Medicine Show and The Band Perry will also be there.
When: May 16-17 Where: KSU Sports and Entertainment Park Tickets: Two-day pass- $185, single-day pass $95 OK, just in case you weren’t shaken enough over the last one, Georgia’s got another shaky fest for you to boogie to: Shaky Boots. Brought to you by the same folks at Shaky Knees, you can think of this as Shaky Knees’ camo-wearing, knee-slapping country cousin. While Shaky Knees probably has an (ironic) beard and shops at Urban Outfitters, Shaky Boots has a beard to keep him warm during deer season and will mostly likely show up to the festival in a truck. Headliners include: Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Brad
When: May 22-24 Where: Kingston Downs Tickets: Three-day pass- $185 Counterpoint is hailed as A t l a n t a ’s biggest E D M
Shaky Boots
Counterpoint Music Festival
festival, though it will be held at Kingston Downs, home of the Atlanta Steeplechase, which is about an hour outside of Atlanta. Widespread Panic, Zedd, The Roots and Kygo will headline. But Counterpoint is about more than just the music, it’s about the entire festival experience: music, camping, art, food and good vibes. Giant installations will be set up throughout the park along with a separate Arts Village. Right now you can buy advanced three-day general admission for $185 or VIP three-day passes for $475.
Bragg Jam
When: July 25 Where: Macon Tickets: $20 For those of us that don’t live in Atlanta (or are staying in Milledgeville), Macon’s got it’s own mini
music festival. This is a Sounds of The South-like concert crawl all over Macon. Milledgeville favorites, Family and Friends, Dalmatian and The Norm, will be performing. 2012 Deep Roots performer Dangermuffin will also be there. Be sure to check out their second-Sunday concerts throughout the summer.
The Wrecking Ball
When: Aug. 7-8 Where: Masquerade, Atlanta Tickets: Two-day pass- $110 This festival, surprisingly, has nothing to do with Miley Cyrus. The two-day event will see 60 bands across four venues. The Masquerade is hosting The Wrecking Ball in honor of their 25 years in Atlanta. Notable acts include Coheed and Cambria, Descendents, Glassjaw, The Getup Kids, Thrice. Two-day general admission tickets are $110 right now.
Congratulations Seniors!
wwwwwwwww Join us for our graduation party weekend!
Friday The Norm @ 11 p.m.
Saturday Thoughtomatic
@ 11 p.m.
Live music and FREE cover
gcsunade.com
May 1, 2015
THE COLONNADE
8
Mural
Continued from front page...
NICOLE KRINSKY / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER With each stroke, art professor Valerie Aranda revives her 2004 Habitat for Humanity mural.
The community’s response to the restoration of the mural has been nothing but positive. Each day that the class has worked on the mural, they have had at least one community member praise them for their hard work and talent. In fact, during the Colonnade’s onsite interview with the class, two local veterans who live in the surrounding community walked up to compliment the class and express their
gratitude for the mural in the community. “We had one lady who was driving a school bus, and she was just about to go get the kids from her school, and she stopped and got out to talk to us,” said senior mass communication major Kristin Lukich. “A lot of people are really happy we are redoing it [the mural] and are happy that it is very inclusive of all the diversity in Milledgeville.”
tbh
(and I’m always h)
Grad students paint away stress KELLY MAINOR @KELLYMAINOR I never thought that painting what I thought to be nonsense would help relieve my stress, but it actually worked. While scrolling through my Facebook page on Monday afternoon, I happened upon the art therapy post on Bobcat Exchange for Georgia College’s Art Therapy Association’s stressrelieving workshop. I had no idea what I was getting into and no clue what to expect, but I decided to drag my neighbor to the event and check it out. A room on the first floor of Health Sciences held some of the most creative women I think I have ever met -- the women of GCATA. GCATA successfully hosted their first stress-
No reservations needed Friday, May 1 from 6-9 p.m. A group of Milledgeville’s best artists transform Budget Inn’s hotel rooms into works of art for one night only.
relieving workshop and fostered a creative stress-free environment for all students to come and take a break from reality and the stressfulness of the week leading up to finals. Similar to when I experience writers block, I sat in front of a blank canvas with nothing in my mind to create. As I struggled for inspiration to paint, the sweet serenades of Bruno Mars filled the room and I watched experts and novices alike paint life into canvases around the room. I closed my eyes, listened and picked up a paint brush and dove right in. I dipped my thin brush into the yellow circle of my water colors and painted my canvas with my eyes closed. When I opened them, the only thing I imagined was
The Haze and The Variant in the Buff Friday, May 1 at 11 p.m. Live it up before hellweek with a night full of live music from The Haze and The Variant.
a sunflower. The color of yellow and the happiness of a sunflower field. I was amazed how all of my stress and anxiety from my frazzled, hectic day just vanished with my attention focused on the soon to be masterpiece before me. I created a beautiful vibrant sunflower, full of life and texture. I wasn’t stressed. The stress-relieving workshop distracted me from my reality of deadlines, sleep deprivation and the looming week of finals. The art therapy graduate students of GCATA get together once a month with their president Tamra Liz Rivera-Hyde to figure out other ways to engage other students. One first year art therapy major shared her vision for their organization. “This session is offering up something for students.”
Legally exploring Central State? Saturday, May 2 at 5 p.m. Central State Hospital opens its grounds for a tour to anyone daring enough to witness the mysteries of its past.
art therapy major Allison Burnham said, “A way for them to get away from stress or whatever, to relax and have good time with good food and good art,”. Visually learning plays a big role in art therapy. The members of GCATA believe that art is a great way for people to express what’s going on that they can’t often communicate with words. “Based on the visual you create, you can use it to talk about what you’re trying to communicate,” said Burnham. “You can see what’s going on and talk about what’s going on.” I used to underestimate the power of art. But after experiencing it first hand, I would gladly take a break from my stressful life to color, paint or draw. It’s a great way to escape reality.
Time for a finals food break Monday, May 4 at 10 p.m. May the fourth be with you during the Max’s Star Wars themed and pancake brimming Midnight Breakfast.
Senior’s One Last Hoorah Friday, May 8 from 8-11 p.m. Upcoming graduates and their family and friends are welcome to a night of live bands on Front Campus during GC’s Senior Send-Off Celebration.
sAmAnthA BlAnKenshiP @sAmAnthABlAK22 I have exactly eight days until I graduate college. Eight days until, for the first time in 17 years, I can no longer call myself a student. When I was in high school and would look forward to my time in college, I would think of college as one big block of time. It was as if all four years of college would be one homogeneous time period, in which nothing much would happen. It would be a new town with new people and a new school, but essentially the same. I never expected so much change to happen in these four years. Milledgeville has seen me go from an unassuming, rulefollowing freshman to a senior that realizes you have to make your own space in this world. I found my best friend here. I fell in love here (coffee counts right??). I declared a major. And then I changed it. I realized what I wanted to do in life. And then I changed my mind. I learned to leave my mistakes behind. Along with the beautiful things, too. Milledgeville has become my safe space. It’s home. When I left for college, I was more than ready to leave. Now, I’m not so sure. I’ve spent every Wednesday night of the past year in The Colonnade office. I had a lot of hopes and dreams for this paper, and I haven’t reached many of them. But I have faith in the new staff, that they will continue the work that we started this year. And I have faith in myself, that I will continue the work I started here. I guess that’s all any senior can hope for. Editor’s note: As I take my seat at the entertainment desk’s chair, I don’t know how I will possibly meet the extremely high bar my predecessor has set for me. Thank you, Sam, for being the best possible editor for me to learn everything about newspaper editing from. We’ve made it through corrupt files, homecoming parties and 4 a.m. work days. Together, the entertainment desk has been and will always be honest with a hint of sarcasm. xoxo
The broader one’s understanding of the human experience, the better design we will have.” – STEVE JOBS
gcsunade.com
May 1, 2015
THE COLONNADE
Nurse’s story exposed
9
EMMA NORTJE @GCSUNADE The Colonnade sits down with junior nursing major and photography enthusiast Evan Pacleb, the man behind Blackbird’s latest art display. colonnade: How long have you been doing photography? evan pacleb: I’ve been doing photography since sophomore year of high school. I think that’s when I really started doing it. Ever since then, I’ve always been doing it as a hobby more so than trying to make it a big thing, and I just loved it. Especially with my friends who first started doing it, I felt really inspired by it. At first I thought it was kind of hard; I didn’t know what to do. I sucked at it, but then I got better at it. I just enjoyed the aspect of creating something out of nothing and taking a picture of a moment that you might lose or forget, but then you and look back at it like, “Okay cool. I remember that.” colonnade: Did you ever take any classes? pacleb: I never took any classes; it was just purely me. I don’t know, it’s hard to make art into a class because art is so individualistic and you can learn from people, but you’re going to learn in your own way. What you like to do, what you want to do. That’s how I see it. colonnade: What’s your favorite thing to take pictures of? pacleb: That’s so hard because I like to take pictures of everything.I would say things that you normally don’t look at, things that you don’t look at a second time, and I think that’s what I really like to do with my stuff. Taking pictures of stuff that people glance over and just kind of forget about and I don’t know, anything that’s pretty obviously.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EVAN PACLEB
CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION ONLINE
BW
colonnade: How did you feel having your photographs finally on display? pacleb: It was really weird, not going to lie. Especially seeing people look at it, because I’m always here at Blackbird studying for nursing stuff, but when people look at it I’m just like, “Uh… what, that’s so weird.” And especially the compliments that come out of it because I consider myself a really private person, and
so when people compliment me on stuff like that, I enjoy it, but it’s kind of weird. I’m very reserved when it comes to having my stuff up. colonnade: What are your future plans for your photography? pacleb: I really want to do weddings even though I haven’t done a wedding yet, but I will over the summer. And I have this huge dream of just traveling the world and taking pictures of the needy and what they need, and then hopefully getting funding from that and maybe helping them out in some way. That’s my huge dream, like incorporating photography and showcasing it to the world that these people need help and these people need you attention. I think that’s what I really want to do. That’s why I chose nursing because I really like to help people too and maybe one day, who knows, maybe nursing and photography will come in together. colonnade: Do you have any advice for people who want to be photographers? pacleb: Obviously if it’s something you do then go out and reach for it. Don’t be stagnant. If it’s something that the Lord has put in your heart to try and pursue, then why not do it? Keep on doing it if you like it. Like, obviously I sucked at it, but I got so much better everytime I got out there, and like it’s cool not to see how… like practice does make perfect. But even then perfection doesn’t exist yet, but you can still keep doing it ‘till you get even better. I don’t know. I guess my advice is just to keep on learning, don’t be stagnant on what you want to do, like always try something different, try to look at it a different way, a new angle. Also, people think that they need to have a good camera to take pictures—that is a lie. That. Is. A. Lie. You can get a good film camera or even just a digital camera. Just do it… For anyone who wants to start up with photography, don’t let a price… like people think photography is really expensive and they’re like “Oh, I have to buy like a thousand dollar camera to get started.” No, that’s a lie. You can get a good film camera for maybe $50 and then start off there. I’d actually advise people to use film because it makes you think about what kind of picture you want to take.
ACCOUNTING HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
APPLY TODAY gsw.edu
A leader online and on campus, all Georgia Southwestern State University programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
gcsunade.com
May 1, 2015 Derek Roberts, Editor
PHOTO COURTESY OF STARRY MORRIS GC’s Ultimate Frisbee Club, Disconnected, practices for the National Tournament as Team Captain Charles Wendell Morris III dives for a pass. Disconnected finished the regular season 40-1.
GC’s Disconnected prepares for Ultimate Frisbee Nationals morgAn collett @moec444 The Georgia College Ultimate Frisbee Team, Disconnected, is more than just a bunch of guys that play Frisbee together. From training together, playing together, eating together and partying together, this team has become a powerhouse in the Frisbee world with impressive wins over big schools. They are putting Georgia College on the map and are ready to win the National Tournament. This is GC’s fifth consecutive run at the National Tournament, where they’ve never placed higher than sixth. “This year our team is good enough to win Nationals, so I think a lot of us will be disappointed if we don’t achieve that goal,” Co-Captain Caleb Shorthouse said. The Division III Collegiate Championship is being held in Rockford, Illinois on May 16-17. The 16 best teams in the nation will compete head-to-head for the championship. GC’s team is coming off a stellar regular season, as they
PHOTO COURTESY OF STARRY MORRIS Co-captain Caleb Shorthouse catches the Frisbee, plants his feet, looks for an open teammate upfield to pass to.
finished 40-1 and beat Division I teams such as the University of South Carolina and archrival Appalachian State, knocking them out of championship play in a recent tournament. The Ultimate team puts in hours of training every week and spends many of their weekends playing in tournaments
to prepare themselves for Nationals. On any given weekend, the team will average six to eight games, and they run four to six miles a game. In addition to the physical play, heart and discipline are essential to be successfull, team members said. “I would say a minimum of
10 hours a week, usually more than that [go into training],” Captain Charles Wendell Morris said. “Then a lot of us do individual stuff like workouts and speed and agility training with each other.” The team had to place first in regional play to advance to Nationals.
“The championship game of regionals was a huge one because for a few of us, if we lost that game, [it] would be our last time playing college ultimate with these guys we had grown to love,” Morris said. “So when we won, it was just a relief to know we had another month to get after it.” The team credits a large part of their success to the good chemistry. Most of the team also plays together in the off-season for a local club team, Bullet out of Macon. “It was perfect from the beginning,” Morris said. “I would say we are all pretty close to [being] each other’s best friends. Like we do everything together. There’s a lot of times where we don’t even have to look or make eye contact. If we put the disc somewhere, the other person will know where to go before anyone else does just because we hang out so much; we know what each other wants.” The Ultimate team is one of the best in the nation are ready to bring home a trophy to Georgia College.
GC takes two from Young Harris Andrew Podo @gcsunAde
PHOTO COURTESY OF GC ATHLETICS Junior infielder Dylan Cook attempts to turn a double play in game two.
Georgia College took down Young Harris on the road, winning their first two games in last week’s three-game series. The Bobcats fell behind in their first game, and were down 7-3 going into the last inning. However, the team held on and surged ahead, scoring nine runs in the ninth inning to complete a 12-7 victory over the Mountain Lions. “We never gave up,” junior infielder Dylan Cook said. “We went down early, but in the ninth inning our team didn’t quit.” Cook hit a three-run home run to give the Bobcats the lead,
Scuba class in session with Scott Stefano KArley sPeer @gcsunAde Most Georgia College students have no idea the university offers a scuba diving class, but the most interesting part about the course is its professor, Scott Stefano. He was certified at Georgia College 24 years ago, and since then, he has developed a great passion for diving and teaching. “I teach this [course] for the pure joy.” Stefano said. “It’s a hobby that pays for itself.” Stefano’s current class consists of 18 students. By the end of the semester, all 18 students can be certified scuba divers. However, the class does not only entail being in the water. The students are first required to be in a classroom learning and developing their knowledge of
water safety and the science behind scuba diving before being allowed to dive. “There is a reason we teach everything from learning how to inflate the BC, to recovering the regulator, mask skills, because when you’re out there and there’s an issue, you have to take care of it underwater.” Stefano said. “You can’t just shoot to the top.” Stefano’s students said they are truly grateful for him teaching them so thoroughly. “If you want to get certified you should just really do it at the school just because of him. He is so great!” Swendson said. Some students have even had to use some of his survival techniques on their own scuba diving trips. “One point in the Bahamas my vest that was filled with air was leaking, so I had to actually apply one of the skills
that I learned in class, and I was kind of excited about it,” Emma Swendsen, a student of Stefano’s said. “It was kind of scary, but I knew what to do and I wasn’t nervous about it.” There are two classes offered at the college: basic and advanced scuba diving. Both classes are popular and fill up quickly. “It was something that I always knew there was something so much more to it,” Kyle Via, another student of Stefano’s, said. “Just a whole ‘nother world under there, different perspectives and everything, so why not?” When asked about the class, all of the students said their favorite part about the class was the professor and how enthusiastic he is. “He’s hilarious, and the best thing is he is so passionate about it,” Via said.
and finished the game 4-for-6 with four RBIs. The team carried their momentum from Thursday’s win into Friday’s game, taking an early lead to win the game 103. Sophomore shortstop Brandon Benson and senior infielder Clay Ardeeser both put on strong offensive performances, each with 3 RBIs. “We started scoring and never looked back,” Cook said. The team faltered in their third game, losing 6-5. Freshman pitcher Cameron Busby struggled in the sixth inning, with Young Harris scoring four runs to solidify their lead. The Bobcats almost rallied late, scoring four in their last two
innings, but could not complete the comeback. Head Coach Tom Carty noted that the team performed well in their first two games, but hopes the team can continue improving late in the season. “Every day is a chance to get better and we want to keep doing that,” Carty said. Ardeeser also hopes the team can continue moving forward as the end of the season approaches, but wants to enjoy his last few collegiate games. “I want to have fun with these last couple games and enjoy the time I have with my fellow teammates and fellow seniors,” Ardeeser said.
Bass club anticipates FLW Championship AngelA moryAn @trAveling_Ang The school year may be ending, but for the 10 members of the Bobcat Bass Fishing Club, the work is just beginning. The club will send anglers to the upcoming Lake Guntersville qualifying event in Pickwick, Alabama on May 2 in hopes of securing a second spot in September’s Fishing League Worldwide conference championship. The tournament adds on to the team’s already packed early summer schedule. “Really starting this past weekend until June 4 through 6, about every weekend is going to be a
bigger tournament for us,” said Ramsey Wynne , club president. Georgia College already qualified one boat for September’s championship back in February on Lake Seminole. Though fishermen from the University of Alabama won the trophy on Feb. 14, the Bobcat anglers, junior Justin Singleton and sophomore Ryan Stewart, scored high enough with a total weight of 22.3 lb to send their boat to the big conference tournament. In the past, Lake Guntersville hosted at least 50 schools from across the Southeast region.
Bass page 11
gcsunade.com
May 1, 2015
THE COLONNADE
I Hate Sports A professor recently directed me to a quote from the late British poet, Lord Byron, wherein his popular poem Don Juan, the title character exclaims, “And if I laugh at any mortal thing, ‘tis that I may not weep.” As I watched Dan Uggla
round the bases Tuesday night, all I could do was laugh. Uggla had just capped an eight run Washington Nationals comeback with a three-run home run in the top of the ninth inning against a reeling Braves closer, Jason Grilli, who appeared unflappable just moments prior. Uggla, a player who came in to the series with a .114 average. A player who was so horrendous in his three-year stint in Atlanta, the Braves paid him just to go away. A player who the Braves continue to pay $13 million dollars a year (presumably to have him go ruin someone else’s middle infield) was now sauntering around the bases at Turner Field in a Nationals uniform after hitting the goahead homer. Watching Atlanta’s utterly depressing meltdown was tough
because I’ve followed the team religiously, but the only thing I could do was laugh. You see, I expected it. I hate sports. I don’t want to hate sports. But, time and time again; I have endured every Brooks Conrad filled moment, every infield fly moment and every “Oh my God why is David Carpenter still pitching when Kimbrel is available? What are you doing? Don’t hang a slider to Uribe on 2-2; seriously, don’t do it. No, No, NO,” moments. Sports have said loud and clear that it wants nothing to do with me. But I keep watching. How could you not? The excitement, the athleticism, the stories, the general sense of anxiety and hope you get from fans who think that maybe, just maybe,
11 this is the year that sports will stop being such a massive jerk. For some of those fans that idea becomes reality. They get to enjoy the parades and the trophies and the smug pride you’re allowed to have when you see someone who cheers for a team that’s not yours when sports decides “Hey, these folks get to be happy this year.” My gut feeling says that probably won’t happen for me, at least not anytime soon, and I’m OK with that. Watching sports has become nothing short of an exercise masochism. I know from almost 20 years of experience to expect the worst. If something positive does happen I’m always apprehensive. It’s not how these things are supposed to work. It’s why I have particular disdain for fans of teams that always
seem to win. You think this is supposed to be fun? Amateurs. As I laughed at Daniel Cooley Uggla’s master class in irony, I took solace in it all. These are the kind of experiences that have made me in to the person I am today. I’ve been hardened by the experiences sports has given me, no one has ever gotten anywhere having their hand held the whole way and I think for teaching me that, sports has truly made me a better person. I’ve embraced what sports has given me and because of that I’m perfectly ok with the constant heartbreak. In fact, I welcome it. I won’t get anywhere by sports being nice to me and neither will you. But, between you and me, if the Hawks could win the Finals I don’t think I’d complain.
Downtown offers yoga sAm BlAnKenshiP @sAmAnthABlAnK22 Turn off the TV, put the potato chips down, get off of the couch, and get out your hot pants, because yoga’s coming to Milledgeville. Good Karma: Center for Yoga and Healing Arts opened the doors of its newly renovated building last Saturday with a day-long open house, including tours, meet-and-greets and $5 classes. Katie Daniel, junior exercise science major and Good Karma instructor, joined with owner Clark Heindel last fall to see their visions for a yoga studio in Downtown Milledgeville come to life. “The whole idea started when [Heindel] when to Spain to get certified,” Daniel said. “He got a lot of encouragement there, like you can do this, this is what you should call it, this is how you’re going to get started.” Heindel was especially inspired by the attention to detail that went into the teacher-training retreat he attended in Spain. “Everywhere the details were right,” Heindel said. ”It was good. The food was great. And so I thought, ‘yes, this is how you have to do it.’” Now he’s trying to bring that same idea to his studio in Milledgeville. The business has been a long time in the making, but Heindel was to be sure to get the details right. “We were expected to open in February, but, like all good things, it took time. We decided not to rush it, and it ended up being great timing,” Daniel said. The biggest details to attend to came with the complete renovation of the building, located on the south side of Downtown near CVS. “We had maybe the best building crew,” Heindel said. “One of the partners was walking through with me one day, and he said, ‘we’re making sure that everything balances. You know, that building’s about balance. We’re not building a sushi bar.’ We appreciated that that was a part of their everyday thinking.” Some renovations, however, are not yet completed. Heindel plans to have a stone wall at the front of the main studio and use the still unfinished back room for hot yoga and individual practices. The building is already equipped with an entrance area with rock garden, main studio and a small gift shop. Devin Lantham’s first class of the day, an abbreviated version of her regular vinyasa flow class, was packed. “I just really love the energy,” Lantham said. “People don’t realize that, in any kind of class, what makes it good are the people that come, and how they react to it and if they’re open to it. And that whole atmosphere is what can make a good class.” You can get more information about the types of classes, weekly schedules and a place to reserve spots for classes online at their website www.goodkarmayoga.org.
ANGELA MORYAN / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Left to right: Myles Bowen, Chase Williams, Ramsey Wynne, Robert Keene, Alex Schieman pose after qualifier.
Bass
Continued from page 10 But this year, the lifting of the 50-boat cap from previous years will allow schools to send multiple boats. “It might cause more people to come,” Wynne said. “It might cause people to send more boats.” In preparation for the May 2 qualifier, junior Alex Schieman and senior Myles Bowen will test the Guntersville waters this
week, finding the best spots and graphing the area. “We got to figure out what the fish are biting on and figure out some spots,” Schieman said. “I read maps on the internet and see some possible areas where I would like to fish.” Schieman was also the recipient of a brand new fish finder graph from the Insight Genesis College Cup valued at around $2500. His first place prize came after uploading graphs to the Insight Genesis site, aiding in the expansion of up-to-date lake graphs for fellow
fishermen. The team hopes to continue with their sweeping success of March’s Georgia Southern tournament on Lake Oconee, where the Bobcats took five out of the top six places including Singleton and Ethan Thomas’ first place bag weight of 18.66 lb and Bowen and Keene’s second place of 16.20 lb.. After the May 2 qualifier, the team will travel to Lake Hartwell for the third and final FLW qualifying event before the September conference championship.
dereK roBerts @AtlsPortsdereK Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love has suffered a severe shoulder injury and will miss the remainder of the playoffs. While this is bad news for Cleveland fans, this is wonderful news for Hawks fans. If the Hawks can muscle past the Nets and eventually make their way to the Eastern Finals (where they’re projected to play the Cavs), they’ll have a much better chance at advancing without having to battle against Love. Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan was called for offensive interference with seven seconds remaining in game No. 5 of the first round. Down by a basket with limited time remaining, guard Blake Griffin took a mid-range shot to give the Clippers the lead. With the ball rattling around the rim, Jordan touched the ball, and the officials called the shot off. The shot appeared it would’ve gone in within Jordan’s assistance. Nonetheless, the basket didn’t count, and as a byproduct, the Clippers lost the game and fell behind one game in the series. For the first time in Major League Baseball history, fans were banned from attending a game. In the midst of the racial riots in Baltimore, MLB decided it would be best to not allow fans into the Orioles’ Camden Yards for Wednesday’s matchup against the Chicago White Sox. Hundreds of professional scouts were the only spectators sitting in the stands. While I understand the severity of the recent riots, it’s still ludicrous for the MLB to forbid baseball fans from enjoying America’s pastime.
NORTHSIDE BAPTISTCHURCH Prayer services & breakfast: 6:30 a.m. & 9 a.m.
FREEDOM CHURCH Prayer & breakfast 6:30 a.m.
Join the
Thursday, Aug. 13 7 a.m. to noon The Cat Crew is a volunteer opportunity for faculty, staff and community members who would like to help the on-campus students move into the University Housing residence halls and apartments. Volunteers are needed to assist with check-in paperwork, distributing water, providing directions and most importantly, helping unload students' cars and get their belongings into their new rooms. Participating in the Cat Crew is a great way to introduce yourself to the newest Georgia College residents.
gcsu.edu/housing/catcrew.htm